Why is Liquid Death bad for you? Unpacking the health and environmental concerns

December 17, 2025 •

5 min read

Despite its bold, anti-plastic branding, some independent tests have detected trace contaminants like trihalomethanes and nitrates in Liquid Death products, raising questions about its purity. This article explores why critics suggest Liquid Death is bad for you, examining ingredients, packaging, and wider environmental issues.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at Liquid Death, detailing potential health risks from flavored versions, trace contaminants found in some water, concerns regarding can liners, and the brand's environmental footprint.

Key Points

Added Sugars: Flavored Liquid Death products contain agave nectar, which adds sugar and calories and can contribute to dental problems with frequent consumption.
Citric Acid: Excessive intake of Liquid Death's flavored sparkling water can lead to dental enamel erosion over time due to the presence of citric acid.
Can Liners: The aluminum cans are lined with plastic, and historically some types have contained BPA, which can potentially leach into drinks, though Liquid Death claims to use BPA-free linings.
Trace Contaminants: Independent testing has found trace contaminants, such as trihalomethanes, nitrates, and heavy metals, in Liquid Death water, although they were within legal limits.
Environmental Footprint: Despite promoting aluminum recycling, the brand has a significant carbon footprint from manufacturing and transportation, and has not disclosed its emissions data.
Inconsistent Sourcing: The company has changed its water sources over time, leading to potential inconsistencies in the water's mineral and chemical composition.
Premium Price: The high cost of Liquid Death for a common resource like water is often criticized, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives like tap water.

The Truth About Flavored Liquid Death Ingredients

While Liquid Death's plain mountain water is simply, well, water, the company's flavored sparkling waters and iced teas introduce additional ingredients that warrant closer examination. These extra components can pose health risks, particularly with frequent consumption.

The Problem with Added Sugars

Liquid Death's flavored sparkling waters contain a small amount of sugar (4 grams) from agave nectar, while the iced teas contain more (6 grams). While these amounts are significantly less than a typical soda, the company's messaging often contrasts itself with sugary drinks, potentially misleading consumers who assume a completely sugar-free product. A 2023 article in Green Matters notes that Illuminate Labs urges people to avoid added sugars like agave nectar. For those monitoring sugar intake for weight management or other health reasons, these added calories can add up over time.

Citric Acid and Dental Health

Another ingredient in Liquid Death's flavored beverages is citric acid, a flavor enhancer and preservative. While generally safe, excessive intake of any acidic beverage can contribute to dental erosion over time by weakening tooth enamel. For individuals who consume these beverages frequently, rinsing with plain water afterward is a simple precaution to mitigate this risk. A Reddit thread on the topic from 2023 discusses studies showing carbonated water having negative effects on etched or sealed enamel.

The Vague “Natural Flavor”

Like many beverages on the market, Liquid Death’s flavored options list “natural flavor” among their ingredients. This term is vague and can encompass a complex mix of chemicals derived from natural sources. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has classified some Liquid Death products as having moderate processing concerns due to these unspecified ingredients. While not inherently harmful, the lack of transparency can be a concern for consumers who prefer to know exactly what is in their food and drinks.

Contaminants and Water Sourcing Concerns

Liquid Death's marketing heavily features its source of "mountain water." However, the sourcing and water quality have evolved over time and have been subject to scrutiny.

Detected Contaminants

Independent testing, as reported by outlets citing the Oasis app, has raised some concerns about water purity. A July 2024 Instagram post revealed that a Liquid Death sample contained multiple trace contaminants, including:

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) at levels seven times the health guideline, though still within the legal limit.
Nitrates at a level five times the health guideline.
Trace amounts of chloroform, uranium, cadmium, and barium.

While these contaminants were within legal limits at the time of testing, the presence of certain chemicals and their potential long-term effects on health, especially for vulnerable individuals, is a valid concern.

Inconsistent Sourcing

Early Liquid Death products sourced water from the Austrian Alps, but later shifted to U.S. sources, including a location in Virginia, likely for cost reasons. The Oasis app notes that the company sources its water from various locations, which can lead to inconsistencies in the water's chemical makeup and mineral content. This variability means consumers cannot be certain of the exact composition of the water in every can they purchase.

The Unseen Side of Aluminum Cans

Liquid Death promotes its packaging with the slogan “Death to Plastic” and highlights aluminum's recyclability. However, this message hides some of the material's less-publicized issues.

Plastic Liners and BPA

Aluminum cans are almost always lined with a resin, often plastic, to prevent the metal from corroding and leaching into the beverage. Some of these liners are BPA-based, and BPA can migrate into drinks, especially with acidic contents like those in flavored sparkling water. While Liquid Death has stated it uses BPA-free linings and that its cans don't leach microplastics, the presence of any plastic liner in the cans can be seen as contrary to their "Death to Plastic" campaign by some critics.

High Energy Cost of Production and Transportation

While aluminum is recyclable, the initial production of new aluminum is an extremely energy-intensive process. Liquid Death’s high-profile marketing and expansive distribution network mean a significant environmental footprint, even with recycled cans. The company has not publicly released data on its carbon emissions, making it difficult to assess its full environmental impact. For some, this lack of transparency, combined with the energy costs, makes the brand's eco-claims less compelling.

Comparing Liquid Death to Alternatives

To put the health and environmental considerations into perspective, here is a comparison of Liquid Death with two common alternatives.


Feature	Plain Liquid Death (Unflavored)	Flavored Liquid Death	Tap Water (High Quality)	Plastic Bottled Water
Cost	Premium price per can	Premium price per can	Very low	Mid-range to premium
Ingredients	Water	Water, agave nectar, citric acid, natural flavors	Water	Water
Potential Contaminants	Possible trace amounts based on source testing	Possible trace amounts; adds citric acid and sugar	Generally regulated and safe, but can vary by location	Can contain microplastics and other contaminants
Packaging	Aluminum can with plastic liner; infinitely recyclable	Aluminum can with plastic liner; infinitely recyclable	N/A (local infrastructure required)	Single-use plastic bottles, low recycling rate
Environmental Footprint	Significant energy for production and transport	Significant energy for production and transport	Low, as it is locally sourced	High, due to low recycling rates and production
Dental Health	No risk	Potential enamel erosion with excessive use due to citric acid	No risk	No risk

Conclusion: Is Liquid Death Right for You?

So, is Liquid Death bad for you? The answer depends on the product and your consumption habits. For unflavored varieties, any potential health concerns relate to trace contaminants found in some independent tests and the can's plastic lining, both of which are common in many canned and bottled beverages. The primary downsides are the premium price and the environmental footprint of production and transportation. The flavored versions, however, introduce the added risks of sugar from agave nectar and potential dental erosion from citric acid. While the quantities are low compared to soda, it can still contribute to overall sugar intake.

For those seeking a truly healthy and eco-friendly hydration option, tap water in a reusable bottle remains the most affordable and sustainable choice. Liquid Death's edgy marketing, while effective, should not distract from the nutritional details of its flavored products or the broader environmental questions surrounding its supply chain. The brand's products are not inherently 'bad' but come with specific health and environmental considerations that consumers should be aware of before committing to the brand's 'murder your thirst' lifestyle.

For more information on the health effects of aluminum and other chemicals, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ToxFAQs website: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=190&toxid=34

Frequently Asked Questions

Unflavored Liquid Death is essentially canned water. While some independent tests have revealed trace contaminants, they were generally within legal limits. For most people, it is not considered bad, but it comes at a premium price and has a significant environmental footprint due to production and transport.

The flavored sparkling waters and iced teas contain added sugar from agave nectar and citric acid. Excessive consumption could contribute to increased sugar intake and dental erosion, making them less healthy than the unflavored versions.

Aluminum cans are lined with plastic resin to prevent corrosion, and some linings have historically contained BPA, which can potentially leach into drinks. While Liquid Death has claimed its liners are BPA-free, concerns about plastic migration persist among some consumers.

Liquid Death promotes aluminum's high recyclability. However, the production of aluminum is very energy-intensive, and the brand has not disclosed its carbon emissions. Many critics argue that the brand's environmental claims are overstated, especially considering the plastic liners in the cans.

Independent tests reported via platforms like the Oasis app have detected trace amounts of trihalomethanes, nitrates, chloroform, uranium, and barium in some Liquid Death samples. These were within legal limits but exceeded some health guidelines.

Tap water is typically much cheaper and can be a more eco-friendly option when consumed from a reusable bottle. The 'better' choice depends on personal preferences regarding taste, convenience, and water sourcing.

Yes, excessive consumption of beverages containing citric acid, like Liquid Death's flavored options, can contribute to the erosion of dental enamel over time. Moderation and proper oral hygiene can help mitigate this risk.

While effective, Liquid Death's branding can be seen as ironic and edgy, but some argue it normalizes unhealthy messaging by packaging water similarly to beer or energy drinks. The premium price also clashes with the brand's 'punk rock' image for some.